A federal appeals panel in New York is poised to hear arguments Monday over whether Vermont's only nuclear power plant can continue to operate without approval from state regulators.

The case has drawn attention across the country since last year. A federal judge ruled that the plant can continue to operate even without state approval. The judge had said safety issues at stake in the dispute are solely the responsibility of the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In 2011, that panel extended the plant's license for 20 years.

State approval expires March 21.

The Vermont Yankee plant has operated since 1972. It produces one-third of the electricity consumed by Vermont. Utilities in neighboring states buy about 45 percent of the power generated by the station.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Comments

The views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.